I have been a house sitter - looking after folks' homes while they travel. After driving around Australia on my own I have settled at Beachmere, north of Brisbane. Now it's time to write.

Wednesday, April 30

On This Day in 2013....

I made it safely back to Brisbane, but in reality it was one of the scariest of days. It was as if the scent of Brisbane had infiltrated my nostrils and I broke some of my own rules. It was some 800 kms to Brisbane and more than I would normally do in a day. I was tired but tired of driving and tired of being on my own, and the thought of seeing my family drove me on and on.I did stop to take the occasional photo - oh, there were so many wonderful sights that I could have and perhaps should have taken the time to do so.Of course it is all mining territory - and the huge trains full of ore rattle along the tracks beside the roadway headed for Port Alma mostly. It is a pretty awesome sight, and so is the scenery. And as you can see the skies were brilliant blue - I was so lucky all the time with the weather.When I arrived at Gympie the sun was almost gone and I had to make a decision - do I find accommodation for the night or do I keep driving? I was tired, but the appeal of seeing family was too much and against my better judgement I chose to drive on.As darkness hit I found I was in the midst of roadworks just south of Gympie and for a few moments I almost panicked as I couldn't see where to go. I do think it was fatigue - but I was committed and kept driving until soon I came accross places I recognised. I hadn't driven at night - it was something I chose not to do, other than short drives within towns. I was well out of my comfort zone and for the first time I was a little scared.Luckily I was able to gight the fatigue in my usual way, but putting on music that I could sing loudly to. (Always I can only do this when no one can hear me for I have a voice that should not be heard attempting to sing!!!)As I drove over the Gateway Bridge (Sir Leo Hielscher Bridge) I could feel my heart pumping faster and I drove along Wynnum Road, to a bottle shop and bought a bottle of bubbles to celebrate. I had made it. Home safe.

Old cattle yards

Dululu Hotel

Jambin Hotel

I will remember April 30th - the date of my return from my journey around Australia. Would I do it again???? Yes, in a heart beat. But with some conditions this time. I would choose a slight different route - just for variety really and I would hope I had enough money and time to visit some of the special places that I just had to pass up on. I keep buying tickets, but don't think that will do it for me. I guess I can hope and dream.

Diary of a House Sitter and Traveller

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My Journey

This blog has been about my 'house sitting' where I have spent weeks, or months caring for the home and pets of folks who travel. I too have enjoyed much travel, detailed in this blog and Adventures of an Aussie English Teacher. At the end of 2012, I set off on another adventure - driving on my own around Australia, taking photos, writing, blogging, and perhaps getting occasional opportunities to do workshops on Blogging, Writing, Writing Life Stories, Creating E-books, Photobooks, or Bamboo.

I left Brisbane on November 25th, 2012, returning on April 30th, 2013. In June I moved to Beachmere, Queensland.